That's where we are for most of the week. Dh had to come here to work and the kids and I needed to exit Costa Rica for 72 hrs in order to renew our tourist Visa. (costa rica is extremely slow at getting work visa paperwork done- until then we have to exit the country every 90 days, for atleast 72 hrs, then re-enter) Anyhoo, the kids and I just finished eating a huge breakfast buffet. The service was wonderful. The people here are very kind. While eating breakfast we realized that almost every table in the dining room had an American couple with a newly adopted Guatemalan baby. It was pretty amazing to see all the families conversing with each other about their experiences and about their children.

We are headed to Antigua today. A historic town where we will take a tour, do mucho site seeing and do some shopping. We are leaving late because I am hoping to time it where we can have dinner there at the old monastery - turned hotel. It is suppose to be lit up by candles at night and absolutely beautiful.

We were suppose to go to Panama for the exit trip...but this worked out better. I have to admit I was really hoping to be on a beach in Panama. Everything happens for a reason I guess.

By Dawnk777 on Monday, December 18, 2006 - 11:55 am:

My sister and her husband adopted a 3yo boy, from Guatemala, about 8 years ago.

Have fun on your little trip.

By Tink on Monday, December 18, 2006 - 12:14 pm:

I'm so envious of all the things you're getting to experience with this trip, Conni! Enjoy your time in Guatemala. Please post pictures if you eat at the monastery. I'm fascinated by them.

By Conni on Monday, December 18, 2006 - 12:27 pm:

Really?! That is too neat Dawn! That would make him 11yo now, right? Was it a good experience for them or was it difficult? I have a friend at church (in San Jose) that has been living in CR for 1 yr now (from the USA) just WAITING on getting the adoption of her baby girl finalized. It is pretty sad. Her husband is a minister in the US and he comes to visit every few months. I hope it was a much smoother process for your sister!

Did your nephew speak only spanish at 3yo and they taught him english?


Dh just called and we wont go to Antigua today. He had them find a new hotel for us, so we are going to take an hour or so to pack up and move to our new hotel. The one we are in now has the pool drained and it is under construction. He wanted the kids to be able to swim, so we are moving to one with water in the pool! woohoo We will swim today and go to Antigua tomorrow.

By Dawnk777 on Monday, December 18, 2006 - 03:13 pm:

How nice of your hubby!

Her hubby made a few trips down to Guatemala, while they waited for paperwork. No one had to go live there. I think it took less than a year.

He has some learning difficulties that have been challenging, but overall I think they are glad they did it.